Russia is building military infrastructures and increasing the number of military personnel at the border with Finland, which runs approximately 830 miles (1,340 km.) According to Major General Sami Nurmi, the head of strategy for the Finnish defense forces, the increase is happening gradually and over time.
He also stated that, while there are no signs of an immediate attack, it is NATO's duty to be prepared for every possible scenario. Indeed, Finland is not facing its bulky neighbor unready. The country, which joined NATO in April 2023, is building a 125-mile (200-km) fence across the border, with the first 22 miles (35 km) already in place.
The provocation at the Finnish border is only the last in a series of skirmishes between NATO countries and Russia. In fact, the once cordial partnership is at its lowest since the dark days of the Cold War. NATO leaders believe Russia poses a direct threat to the alliance, but their collective condemnation is falling on deaf ears in Moscow. On the other hand, Russia believes that a NATO expansion towards its borders poses a challenge to its sovereignty.
So, how has a previously constructive relationship between NATO and Russia turned so fractious?
Click through this gallery and find out more about why Russia fell out with NATO.